These boards have provided me a wealth of info and I want to start off by saying Ty. Here is my question.. Right now I'm leaning towards simonton but not quite sure what model to purchase. I live in the Raleigh NC area and found a place that carries both simonton and ply gem. Can u guys list in order from good to best on the models for both ply and simonton? Thanks in advance. I kinda like the azzure model because of the more glass vs frame.

The Plygem Pro and Premium series were formally known as the Great Lakes Grandview 4000 and 5000. Both are essentially the same with different levels of bells and whistles, although my preference in that line is the Premium series with its sash reinforcement. The air infiltration rating of .19 leaves a little bit to be desired and it's u-values are middle-of-the-road in comparison to some others. Overall, it is decent and probably in the same category as the Simonton option, although my own personal preference would be the Sunrise or Softlite as WoW mentioned. If you do choose one of the first two mentioned, I'd opt for the sash reinforcement as well as a composite spacer (or stainless at minimum).

Sounds like a very good price. Skip the foam wrap and use the expanding foam. Just make sure that it is LOW expansion foam. You can actually buy the pro guns now at the box stores for around $50. It would be a wise investment.

the guy selling us the windows advised that by using the low expansion foam it can negate the window warranty. is this true? what are the major negatives if i dont use the expansion foam? what are the positives if i do use it?

Is this the how to clinic?There is no Mfg today that will void a warranty for the proper use(read the label on the can) of low expansion foam.Low expansion foam will do at least three things: insulate air seal water seal( if closed cell) anchor

Anthony is right, and the guy selling the windows is wrong. But if he doesn't know better than what he said, he's probably not the guy you want using foam around the windows either.

The major negative of not using foam is air leakage and possibly water infiltration - depending on how they seal the perimeter. Foam isn't absolutely necessary in every installation, but it's no doubt the best way to go.

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot post attachments in this forum